Its not secret that a body under stress is a body not operating at its full potential. Research has been done into how being under continuous stress effects your body negatively. Stress can be brought on from many sources, including changes in environment, your body, or your mind. Unrelieved stress can lead to physical ailments including headaches, stomach aches, and even problems with sleep patterns. Stress has also been known to worsen already present medical conditions. It's not uncommon that people suffering from stress go to harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol for relief. The ironic part of this is that using substances can actually effect your body in such a way that the stress is multiplied rather than calming and relaxing the user. Its common knowledge that massages are a great form of stress relief. Getting a massage is more than just making someone feel pampered though. A massage relieves tension from muscles. A feeling of overwhelming stress can greatly be attributed to tense muscles. This is why when your body is tired, you tend to be in a less than happy mood. In addition to all the straightforward beneficial aspects of a massage, one can also experience a lowered heart rate which will lower blood pressure overtime. A massage is most definitely the best known way of relieving stress. Getting regular massages can not only leave you feeling free and relaxed, but can help to extend your life. A professional massage has been proven to have beneficial health effects.

Any respectable athlete will answer this question with a simple, yes. Although a massage can feel great after a big game or other sporting event, there's many more benefits to sports massage than an after-game relaxation session. It can be used at 3 different times, pre event, and post event. A healthy combination of all of these will equate to a noticeable edge against the competition.

Sports massages are gaining popularity as athletes begin to realize the desirable benefits that can arise from getting them on a regular basis. Here are some of the more obvious benefits to sports massages.

Benefits of Sports Massage-Reduced recovery time for maximum performance-Promotes flexibility-Reduces fatigue-Improves endurance-Helps prevent injuries-Targets specific muscles used in the sport

These among many more are proven advantages an athlete can attain from participating in sports massages. For anyone who actively participates in sports, engaging in sports massage a few times a week is a healthy addition to your workout routine, and will quickly prove its importance in the sports community.

Generally speaking, getting a massage is pretty straightforward. This being said, there are still some things you should know going into your first massage therapy session.

Firstly, be prepared to fill out a health history form, this to help your therapist determine the best path of treatment for your individual needs. So how long is your massage? Every therapist is different; Alternapeutics though, offers therapy sessions in 20 and 50 minute increments. During this time different techniques will be administered depending on the information determined in your health history form to best tend to your needs. You need to prepare for your massage, most importantly is to refrain from eating 90 minutes before your massage. Getting a massage draws blood to the area being worked on, taking that blood away from your digestive tract, making digestion possibly painful. After you have gotten your massage and you’re feeling nice and refreshed, be sure to set aside at least 30 minutes of quiet time, possibly even taking an Epsom salt bath. This, along with drinking a lot of water will help to soothe and keep your muscles hydrated.

A massage therapy session starts before the therapist even touches you, and extends to shortly after you leave. In order to get the full experience of a quality massage be sure to follow instructions on what to do before and after your massage.

Determining what kind of massage is right for you can be quite the quest. Different massage professionals offer different massage types, and it's understandable that a majority of clients will need some clarification as to what makes one massage different from another. The most common massages are therapeutic, deep tissue, and sports massage.

A sports massage is geared more toward helping and athlete improve their performance. This can be done before, during, or after a game or event. Most of the time the masseuse focuses on improving flexibility and helping to prevent injuries. Often times an athlete needs a therapeutic massage to a very specific area that they may be experiencing problems with. A good massage therapist will tend to the needs of the athlete, as well as incorporating their best judgment in order to achieve the best results.

Therapeutic and deep tissue massages are often requested for a single session for a chance to let loose and relax. Different techniques are used on each different massage, and different areas are targeted. Massage is something that is really customized for each person, to help them feel relief where they need it the most.

Repititive use injuries are caused by muscle imbalances from overusing an agonist muscle or one side of a muscle group. This muscle or muscle group becomes tight and inflexible triggering pain with the slightest contraction. In severe cases, relieving the pain proves difficult even with medication and steroids. Some medical doctors readily prescribe surgery as the only solution which is usually unnecessary. A series of conservative treatments such as specific massage techniques, Acustim therapy, stretching and joint manipulation combined with hydration and proper rest is all it takes to correct the problem. Alternapeutics provides you safer options and personalized care. Call us at 407-346-0506 for any questions or inquiries.

We just wrote a new page on our website about the benefits of massage therapy. We wanted to expand on this with some of the following thoughts:

Massage therapy has been used for generations, & throughout many cultures around the world. Although different types of massage techniques are designed to target specific areas, dysfunctions, and promote natural healing processes, there are some distinctive benefits that can be received from regular massage.

A good massage will promote deeper breathing. Deep breathing is very important to the overall oxygen circulation throughout the blood. Low amounts of oxygen can cause headaches & muscle pain.

Massage can help you stand up straight. Yes, massage can help your posture. Having better posture can also help you breather better. When your body can breathe better, you improve your skin tone and the overall health of your skin because skin cells are revitalized. As you grow older, you become less flexible and thus are more prone to injury. A good massage by one of our Orlando massage therapists can improve joint flexibility and reduce the overall stress placed upon those joints. A massage relaxes the body and mind. It helps you calm down from the daily stress of every day life. Massage can encourage this state of mind by relaxing the entire body. Reduce your anxiety and relax your muscles by getting a massage that increases self-awareness.

It is important that you take the time to reconnect with your own body. In times of a “go, go, go” lifestyle and attitude, one’s body is often overlooked and its maintenance often postponed. You need to work on leading a long and healthy life, promote your own mental fitness and increase your peace of mind.

​AuthorWendell has a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy from Iligan Medical Center College and an Associate's Degree in Massage Therapy from Southeast Institute of Oriental Medicine. He obtained the Excellence Award for Tui Na Chinese Medical Massage and has a private practice in Clermont, Florida.